Monday Musings

I have a few more thoughts to share in my series on aging, but those will wait. Instead, this Monday I'd like to have a little chat with you. It's been a while. 

About this time last year, I wrote this: 

Life is so full at this stage of the game. When I was a young mom, I thought that life would get simpler as my babies and toddlers grew up, and in some ways it has. But each season of life has its own kind of busyness and its own limitations. So here I am, homeschooling a high schooler, grandmother of ten, coordinator of house projects, hostess, blogger, daughter, wife. Yes, life is full. 

I could say it all again. Life is full. It might even be fuller. (Is that a word? ~smile~) 

On Saturday, we girls went to a barn sale and came home with a few treasures. My favorite find was this folk art wall cabinet. I hope it's not "Kountry-with-a-K" (the girls' name for 80's country), but even if it is, I love it. (Buy what you love, right?) And I think it gives the kitchen a needed bit of color. 

While we were out gallivanting, Ron was hard at work in the kitchen. He made some changes around the window above the kitchen sink and installed some recessed lights. A few weeks ago, he put in a range hood. New counter tops and sink are on the horizon now. (Hopefully in May. Possibly in the summer. Exciting!) Then we'll paint the cabinets on the north wall and that will complete that side of the room. I'll show you some "befores" and "afters" when the painting is done. (It is so hard to take good pictures around a window. I'll do my best.) 

Kati was hosting a game party on Sunday evening, so Ron and I took the afternoon and evening to have a date! Middle-age dates include coffee, plant shopping, looking at kitchen sinks, a steak dinner, more plant shopping, more coffee, and lots of conversation about big things and little things. (I like middle-age dates!)

Last week brought several opportunities to gather with friends. Life is busy, but when these opportunities arise, I try to make time. Of course, I am older and do not have little ones who depend on me, so my time is more flexible. When my children were young, my gatherings were often with moms and their children, or occasionally an evening outing when Ron was home for the children. But friendships change as our life circumstances change.

The crux of the matter is that people matter! And I am not being entirely altruistic here. I am needy. I thrive on the interaction and encouragement and fellowship of my friends.

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Galations 6:2

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another;

not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;

rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;

distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 

Romans 12: 10-13

Therefore, comfort one another and edify one another, just as you also are doing.

I Thessalonians 5:11

"Back door friends are best."

We are approaching the end of another school year.

Every year is different. Because every child is different and every year's circumstances are different and, honestly, even though all of my children have had the same teacher (me!), I am different and our family dynamics are different from year to year.

So, yes. This year has been different from any other year. Maybe I'll write a long, rambling post about Bekah's junior year (not now; this post has rambled enough!) or maybe not. But I can assure you that music had been an important part!

Tonight, Pineapple House is the setting for Bekah's second piano recital as a teacher! She has five students now: her nieces Eve and Nora, her nephew Peter and two others. Our living room/dining room will be full and our hearts will be full as we share in their beautiful music! Excitement is high!

Today marks two years since we moved into Pineapple House! (How can it have been that long already?) Sometimes, I marvel that we are not at The Farmhouse. I always thought that we'd be there for the rest of our lives. But we're not, and it is good for so many reasons! We continue to be grateful for this wonderful home, the Lord's provision for our family! 

I am delighted that you stopped by for a visit here at Thinking About Home! How do you feel about friendship? Do you have a friend who encourages you in your walk with the Lord? Do you think it's important to be that friend?